Martha Stewart Weddings editor, Darcy Miller shares with us her ideas for the best bridesmaid gifts. Why not give your leading ladies a present from the heart with these personalized and DIY ideas. This is a unique and creative way to make every lady in your bridal party feel special and appreciated!
Etched Flowerpots
The Lux Bridesmaid
Spa Basket
The Hopeless Romantic Bridesmaid
Straw Gifts
The Gourmand Bridesmaid
One of our beautiful brides that is getting married next year is adding another item to her already fabulous repertoire: blogging! Hollen is basically a “gift guru,” and it’s only fitting that we plug her gift blog now, during the holiday season, so you can gather some more ideas for those remaining on your list. She updates her finds almost daily on Hollen Picked, so be sure to keep going back for more! And, if you’re still having trouble dreaming up the perfect gift, Hollen will personally help you find it!
With Thanksgiving behind us and the holiday season looming, the search is on for the perfect gifts for Mom, hubs, your girlfriends and the rest of your clan. Our favorite place to gather ideas is over at New York Mag’s “Shop-a-Matic.” They have 150 unique gift ideas for everyone on your list, even for the most discerning recipient who already has it all! We love the “One Line a Day” journal to give to your best gal pal or the bride-to-be as she counts down the days leading up to the wedding and then the “newlywed” days thereafter. What’s your favorite??
Recently, we went to Drybar to try it out before our client’s event (and for our own curiosity/pleasure!). Seriously, such a cute spot! We love the idea of getting a bunch of your girlfriends together and going there to get done up before a big night out on the town or bachelorette party. We prefer the “Cosmopolitan” blow out, but they have tons of ideas and lots of styles to choose from for $40!
Also, while reading Daily Candy today, they were talking about the “best haircut they’ve ever had,” and the girl who was responsible recently opened her own salon in Williamsburg, called Pelo Salon. And a full cut starting at $40, with a guarantee that you will love your hair or they will make it right? Who could resist??
Today we stumbled upon the most adorable and whimsical sketches created by Inslee Haynes. From notecards, to calendars, to commissioned projects, Inslee’s illustrations are crafted to add a little pop of fashion to your brand or your life…and who doesn’t love to channel their inner fashionista every once in a while?
Recently, we received a gift from a little jewelry store called “Femmegems,” which is based in both Greenwich, CT and Manhattan. It was such a cute gift that we went searching on their website for more ideas, and found out that they have jewelry making parties at each of their locations. Yes, it sounds cheesy, but it certainly isn’t. They provide wine, sparkling water, and plenty of hors d’oeuvres (different price ranges for what you fancy), as well as the necessary staff to assist you make whatever piece of jewelry you desire. And even if you aren’t very creative, their staff will give advice and tips while you string your “gems!” Such a cute and different idea for your next gal pal’s bachelorette!
What’s better than laying on the beach with a good summer read? Maybe you need some ideas to download to your Kindle before you leave for your next vacation, or maybe for your next Book Club selection. Check out Daily Candy for a list of their top 11 books for the beach!
For all you bridesmaids out there, here’s an idea for a fun night out…stop by your nearest movie theater and see the hilarious movie ‘Bridesmaids!’ This movie is filled with talented and funny women who will keep you smiling throughout. Sometimes you just need a good laugh and this movie will surely do the trick…hope you enjoy the movie as much as we did!
It’s wedding season and with that come all the bridal events to celebrate your favorite gal pal. Bridal showers can be so much fun when you play up a certain theme. So, if you’re in a bind…here are some of our favorite ideas:
Don’t stress, this is supposed to be an exciting time for all involved! Enjoy!
Hosting a party and need a crowd pleasing snack idea? These delicious shortbread crackers are the perfect treat. You can dress them up by topping with smoked salmon or caviar. Serve with your favorite champagne or wine.
Parmesan Shortbread Crackers
* 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp. salt
* 1 tsp. coarsely ground pepper
* 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
* 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
* 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
* 1 cup good quality grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
Directions:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the flour, salt, pepper and rosemary and pulse twice to mix. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 pulses. Add the cheese and pulse twice to combine. With the motor running, pour in the cream and continue processing until the dough forms a single mass.
Transfer the dough to a work surface and roll into a log about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
Preheat an oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the dough into 1/8-inch-thick slices and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the crackers are light golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack. Makes about 24 crackers.
